The tabletop stove is lightweight and compact; it is an excellent assistant in small kitchens, cottages and other houses by the countryside.

Not so long ago, only electric stoves were the main assistant to the housewives in areas not provided with gas. Today, infrared tabletops (IR) are in great demand.

The appearance and principle of operation of the IR plate

Heating in it occurs with the help of heating elements that generate infrared radiation, and heating is based on the fact that water in the products absorbs this radiation. This generates large amounts of heat. This principle of operation is the key to quick cooking. And it turns out with excellent taste characteristics and does not lose useful qualities.

Many modifications of IR-plates for domestic purposes are equipped with a glass-ceramic surface. They are formed by: a housing, a heating component, a cooking area and a control unit.

The heating component glows, and then the dishes heat up. These actions are provided by electric current.

The glass ceramic surface is resistant to pressure and temperature shocks. On it, without problems, you can place massive dishes and assign maximum heating parameters.

However, point impacts are dangerous for such a surface. Do not drop heavy objects on it. It can be seriously damaged, for example, by a metal corkscrew or the edge of the pan lid.

This surface has excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the stove heats up to high rates very quickly. In domestic versions, the temperature limit is usually 300 ° C. In professional - twice as much.

Thanks to the glass-ceramic panel, you can:

  1. Reduce the absorbed power of the stove and the duration of its heating.
  2. Develop efficiency.
  3. Change temperatures quickly.

IR models allow you to cook a variety of dishes: from soups to pancakes. You can purchase their desktop and floor versions. The second can be arranged ovens. Models are usually equipped with at least one hotplate, with a maximum of four.

Also today, more preference has been given to infrared grills. There are modifications of small dimensions. They are often used on loggias, verandas and for giving. There are professional variations that are usually found in catering establishments.

They significantly accelerate and develop the quality of service.

Weaknesses and Strengths of IR Tiles

Its advantages are as follows:

  1. Profitability. Thanks to the use of this unit, electricity costs are significantly reduced. The duration of the culinary process is also dramatically reduced.
  2. There is an option for a sharp drop in temperature.
  3. The operation panel is easy to wash.
  4. In many versions there are several power levels (maximum - 10). When dishes are heated under conditions of no more than 60 degrees, there is almost no waste of electricity.
  5. The equipment has timers and convenient monitors for monitoring. Another common option is a block from children.
  6. For such models, you can use any dishes (exceptions: from paper, plastic and plastic). No need to purchase special dishes.
  7. There is a luminous sensor "Hot." This protects against accidental burns while the unit cools down after use.
  8. Arranged defense against power surges and surges.
  9. There is no open flame, soot and carbon monoxide.

Minuses:

  1. Considering that the glass-ceramic surface is rather vulnerable, it is necessary to transport and operate the tile extremely carefully. If the coating is damaged, it will need to be completely replaced.
  2. The device must not be filled with water. Of course, nobody will do this on purpose. But it happens that water can flow out of the pot.And water can interfere with the functionality of the device. And when the water is on a working technique, you hear a nasty crack.

These cons are pretty arbitrary. And they do not negatively affect the impression of the use of such tiles.

Dilemma: induction or IR?

Today, the issue of the advantages of an induction or infrared stove is very relevant. Better briefly: the first only warms the dishes placed on it. But the dishes here require a certain amount. Such models work more economically. The second is everything that is placed on it. And if it does not cost anything, it can heat the air.

Therefore, if you need a good economical option and you are ready to solve issues with the presence of certain types of dishes, then you need an induction unit.

If the dynamics of warming up and cooking is important to you, get a tabletop IR. It is important to follow certain criteria when buying.

Criterias of choice

The primary criterion is brand-based selection. It is better to focus on the famous manufacturer. And choose one or another modification based on your needs.

Other key criteria:

  1. Number of burners.
  2. The maximum rate of heating.
  3. Is there a timer and additional options.

The price indices of IR tiles are determined by the following factors:

  1. Case material.
  2. The quality of the heating component.
  3. Effective options and functionality.

The most impressive price tags are observed on devices made of stainless steel. The cost of this technique can develop when additional options are present in it, for example:

  • electronic timer;
  • a sensor reflecting residual heat;
  • energy absorption programmers of category A;
  • self-cleaning technology.

The serious cost of infrared tiles subsequently pays off, since electrical resources are significantly saved.

infrared cooker

Principles for caring for this technique

When operating an IR tile, do not forget that this is still an electrical unit. And certain security rules apply to him.

Before cleaning the stove, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical system. Use only a soft sponge or rag for this procedure. Here you should also use a liquid dishwasher or a special preparation for cleaning this material - glass ceramics. The use of abrasive methods is prohibited. They adversely affect the appearance and quality of the surface.

Do not forget to periodically eliminate the dust that is concentrated in the ventilation grilles of the apparatus. You can act manually, or you can use a vacuum cleaner. In no case do not arrange the cleaning of the tile, completely lowering it into water.

Useful  Cooker with gas control system

When the IR model is operated carefully and all recommendations for its use and care are followed, it will work for a very long time.

Examples of top models

Today in the assortment you can find many different desktop infrared stoves. To make a competent choice, you need to know which brands are leading and which models enjoy a good reputation among users. The following is a list of five popular modifications.

RICCI RIC-3206

RICCI RIC-3206

pros
  • Protection against overheating of internal components (when the case is heated above 1000C, the device turns off)
  • Protection against overheating of panels (triggered when the surface of disks exceeds 5800С)
  • Simple mechanical control
  • The surface is easy to clean and clean.
  • Infrared hotplates for quick heating
  • You can use any dishes (except plastic and paper)
  • Original design
Minuses
  • When the device fails, it is difficult to find replacement parts

The compact tabletop consists of a metal casing, infrared heating elements and a control board. The model is available in two colors - black (RIC-3206) and silver (RIC-3206i). The controls are very simple - two mechanical controllers for heating power, each for its own burner. The glass ceramic surface is durable, can withstand heavy weight, however, it is afraid of point impacts.The diameter of the burners is 18 and 15 cm, respectively. The plate is equipped with 4 legs-supports. On the control panel there are 2 operation indicators that light up when the corresponding burner is turned on.

RICCI RIC-3106i

RICCI RIC-3106i

pros
  • Thanks to the high power of 1200 W, the hotplate quickly heats up
  • Economical energy consumption
  • Several types of protection (from overheating of the internal structure and overheating of surfaces)
  • Non-slip rubber feet increase stability
  • Simple and clear mechanical control
  • Glass-ceramic surface is easy to clean and wash
Minuses
  • High price

An infrared stove in a stainless steel case is equipped with one burner with a diameter of 18 cm. The manufacturer produces two types of models that differ in appearance. RICCI RIC-3106i comes in silver, the control panel is black, RICCI RIC-3106 is made in black with a contrasting red insert and a shiny silver handle. The model is quite light, weighs 2 kg, it can be easily moved from place to place. The control panel consists of an indicator that lights up when the burner and the heating control knob are turned on.

RICCI JDL-H20B9

RICCI JDL-H20B9

pros
  • The control panel displays error codes that help diagnose a malfunction.
  • Three types of tripping
  • The heating temperature is adjustable in the range of 60-2400С
  • Control panel is locked
  • 180 minutes auto-off timer
  • The residual heat indicator indicates when the surface has cooled.
  • Maximum burner power 2 kW
Minuses
  • The indicators and the fan continue to work all the time while the stove is plugged in.

The compact single-burner stove has all the advantages of induction models. She quickly gains the set temperature, and only that part of the surface on which the dishes are standing is heated. The stove is equipped with three types of protection - from overheating of the internal structure, from overheating of the external surface (triggered when the temperature reaches 6500С) and from power surges.

GEMLUX GL-IC20S

GEMLUX GL-IC20S

pros
  • Convenient carrying handles on the sides of the device
  • Glass-ceramic surface is easy to clean and wash
  • Several levels of protection (from overheating, from voltage surges, real-time power protection)
  • Maximum burner power 2 kW
  • Timer adjustment range 0–179 min
  • Two heating circuits for dishes of different diameters
Minuses
  • You cannot adjust the temperature and power in the "Cooking" mode

A powerful stove with a halogen burner allows you to cook in dishes from any materials, including heat-resistant glass, ceramics, aluminum. A convenient touch panel allows you to select the desired mode of operation, and a mechanical regulator on the side panel to set the required power.

RICCI RIC-09C

RICCI RIC-09C

pros
  • If the temperature of the glass ceramic panel exceeds 5800С, overheat protection will work
  • 1.2 and 0.9 kW hotplates provide quick heating and cooking
  • When the case is heated above 1000C, the device turns off
Minuses
  • Glass-ceramic panel is afraid of point shocks and temperature fluctuations

The double-burner infrared stove with stainless steel housing is suitable for all types of cookware. The only thing to consider when using it is that pans and pans should have a flat bottom with a diameter of no more than 23 cm. The control is mechanical, the round knobs are located on the sides of the appliance, and the inclusion indicators are located next to them. On the surface of the device are two glass-ceramic burners with a diameter of 18 and 15 cm.